REGIONAL POLITICS IN NORTH EAST INDIA: A STUDY ON THE ELECTORAL ALLIANCES IN MIZORAM

Abstract

Elections become an essential aspect of the political process in Mizoram. With the insertion of formal political institutions by the British and the successive conduct of democratic elections, commencing with the first Lushai Hills District Council elections in 1952, the political consciousness of the people gradually increased along with the expansion and development of electoral politics in the hills. When the Mizo District was granted the status of Union Territory (UT) in 1972, the relevance of electoral politics became widely acknowledged. Regular elections to the Union Territory of Mizoram's Legislative Assembly were held every five years by adult franchise until Mizoram acquired full statehood in 1987. Mizoram has successfully held eight State Legislative Assembly elections so far. Although the state had witnessed the emergence and participation of regional political parties in the electoral process. This paper will analyze the electoral alliance in various State Legislatives Assembly elections in Mizoram. It will also highlight the factors and decline of electoral alliances in various State Assembly elections in Mizoram.

Keywords: Election, Mizoram, Alliance, Votes